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Really, really weird interview...

Teresa

I've just had a second interview with a local medium-sized company for the role of HR manager. First interview was standard with several 'Give an example of when you...' and 'What would you do if...' questions. So far, so good.

I was one of two asked back for a second interview. The second interview, which with the same two interviewers as before but also the CEO, was an hour of 'If you were an animal, what would it be', 'Who would you most like to have round for dinner', 'Where's your ideal holiday', and 'What's your perfect weekend'. 

Eh??? Did I miss the CIPD's briefing on new questioning regime?

Were they just trying to see if I'd fit in (which is what I was told) or were there ulterior motives behind each of the questions. Because I said 'hedgehog' to the animal question does this mean I'm prickly and hide from conflict; should I have said something more aggressive like Rottweiler or polecat? As 'Italy' was my ideal holiday does that mean I'm unadventurous and conventional; should I have gone backpacking in the Andes or building schools in Malawi? By the end of the hour I was absolutely drained. 

Joking aside, it was actually a surreal experience and made me wonder what I was getting myself into. Luckily, I didn't get the job. Anyone else had - or conducted - an interview like this?

Parents
  • I am looking for a new role and my last interview asked me "What have you been doing since being made redundant?" - err looking for a permanent challenging role. Maybe, they wanted and hour by hour of my day between waking to sleeping.
  • in reply to Jules
    I think that's a valid question Jules. Looking for a new job is of course one thing you have been doing. They want to hear that you have just not been watching Bargain Hunt or playing computer games all day. Good responses would include some voluntary work (planting trees for the Woodland Trust; sorting clothes for a local charity shop; etc); or perhaps doing some research on a topic of interest; attending CIPD branch meetings/seminars; attending an employment tribunal; networking; doing your CIPD assignments. The list of things you could be doing while you look for a new job is as long as you want to make it.
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  • in reply to Jules
    I think that's a valid question Jules. Looking for a new job is of course one thing you have been doing. They want to hear that you have just not been watching Bargain Hunt or playing computer games all day. Good responses would include some voluntary work (planting trees for the Woodland Trust; sorting clothes for a local charity shop; etc); or perhaps doing some research on a topic of interest; attending CIPD branch meetings/seminars; attending an employment tribunal; networking; doing your CIPD assignments. The list of things you could be doing while you look for a new job is as long as you want to make it.
Children
  • in reply to Judy Williams
    I have finished my CIPD L5 and graduation is next week, so when I was made redundant I was nearly finished and am waiting to be able to update my profile with Assoc CIPD. I am booked in for a CIPD Branch seminar for the 17th September. I think I wasn't expecting that sort of question and to be honest it has been quite nice just dealing with the domestic life without the rushing about and I don;t seem to have enough time to sit down. I am considering volunteering, but our charity shops seem to be fully staffed and are not taking in donations at the moment in my area. Sometimes it is good to take a slower look at life and take time for your health and wellbeing. I will be prepared next time it comes up. I needed some "me time" and I believe my family have benefitted from it. I have been doing car engine repairs on my Daughters car, but that may be too unconventional for some employers.
  • in reply to Jules
    I like it when people are honest and say I have taken some time to xyz. It doesn't matter if that's enjoying the school holidays with the kids, finishing the decorating, refurbing a house or in your case car maintenance - if it's something you enjoy and have been able to take the time to do, make it into a positive. It also helps if you can also add some skills related things like CPD etc but it doesn't always matter.